Mayor Lee Yong-seop: "Administrative Integration, a Solution to Pass on a Prosperous Future to the Next Generation"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, stated regarding the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam that “It was proposed solely as a solution for the coexistence and mutual growth of Gwangju and Jeonnam, and to pass on a prosperous future to the next generation.”

Mayor Lee Yong-seop reiterated the necessity of administrative integration in response to a city administration question from Assemblyman Song Hyung-il (Seo-gu 3) on the 19th.

Mayor Lee emphasized, “Domestic and international local governments with close economic ties or shared living areas are actively discussing integration to enhance competitiveness. If we alone ignore this and remain complacent with the current situation, our region will have no future. Therefore, I judged that integration discussions are necessary before it is too late.”

Regarding the necessity of administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam, Mayor Lee explained it in three parts: ▲a solution to block the black hole of the metropolitan area and for Gwangju and Jeonnam to survive ▲the super-regionalization or mega-city of local governments is the spirit of the times and a global trend ▲escaping parochialism to resolve unnecessary competition and redundant investments, strengthening the ability to respond to current issues, and securing joint prosperity and competitiveness for Gwangju and Jeonnam.

He stated, “It is a development strategy that can catch two rabbits: national balanced development and enhancing the competitiveness of Gwangju and Jeonnam,” adding, “If Gwangju and Jeonnam fail to follow the trends and changes of the times and remain stagnant without even discussing integration, economic backwardness and isolation will be inevitable.”

He continued, “Gwangju and Jeonnam are a community of shared destiny that has existed together for a thousand years,” and explained, “By establishing a single metropolitan economic zone capable of self-sufficiency and independent economy, a stronger economic block than now will be formed, and local decentralization will also become possible. Domestically, it will serve as a catalyst for national balanced development, and externally, it will be a turning point for our Gwangju and Jeonnam to leap forward as a glocal leading city.”

In particular, he emphasized, “Administrative integration goes beyond the physical meaning of merging the administrative organizations of Gwangju City and Jeonnam Province; it will bring social and emotional unity among the citizens of Gwangju and Jeonnam who share one root, and its effects will be very diverse, extensive, and significant.”

He added, “I hope integration discussions will be conducted freely and broadly within a framework of close cooperation between the two cities and provinces. Whether to proceed directly with integration or to form a mega-city alliance first and then integrate, as well as the method and timing of integration, are ultimately matters for the citizens of the cities and provinces to decide,” and said, “Since the Gwangju-Jeonnam integration discussion is about preparing for the future, broad discussions must begin without delay.”

Mayor Lee stated, “I am not saying to integrate immediately, but to sincerely start integration discussions through research and other means,” and added, “We will consult with Jeonnam Province on requesting joint research projects through integration discussion bodies formed by agreement between the cities and provinces.”

He continued, “The specific integration roadmap should be ultimately decided by the citizens of the cities and provinces through broad discussions in the future. Economic integration or mega-city issues mentioned by Governor Kim Young-rok can also be freely discussed within the discussion body,” and added, “Gwangju City and Jeonnam Province will support smooth discussions and fair and transparent information provision so that citizens can fully understand the pros and cons of integration and make accurate judgments.”

Furthermore, he emphasized, “Going forward, Gwangju-Jeonnam integration discussions cannot proceed without maintaining a close cooperative relationship with Jeonnam Province. Therefore, it is very important to meet with Governor Kim Young-rok and reach a broad agreement on the direction of future promotion.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.